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Select Board discusses political events on town property after Paw Pond booking
Summary
The board reviewed a community event at Paw Pond that lists local candidates as sponsors and debated whether political events on town property are allowable; the manager said the event followed existing reservation procedures and recommended consulting town counsel if questions remain.
Select Board members discussed an upcoming family-friendly event at Paw Pond that was advertised as being sponsored by local candidates. The town manager said the Paw Pond reservation form was completed and the conservation commission — which oversees Paw Pond stewardship — approved the use; the manager described the booking as following existing policy.
Board members raised questions about whether political activity on town property is permitted and whether town resources would be used. The manager and other board members noted that political events and candidate appearances have historically occurred on public property and that the town’s reservation form and board policies had been followed. Staff confirmed that food vendors must be approved by the Board of Health and that event organizers typically pay nominal facility fees when applicable.
Several members recommended checking with town counsel and, if necessary, the Board of Elections or the Secretary of State for potential campaign finance or election-law implications. The board directed staff to consult legal counsel if questions remain; the town manager said counsel is on retainer and can be asked for guidance without separate procurement.
No formal prohibition or vote was adopted. The board’s consensus was that events authorized through the proper form and approvals may take place on town property, but questions about whether an event’s content violates election law should be routed to counsel for confirmation.
